Located in the shared territorial waters of Senegal and Mauritania, the GTA gas project, which began operations on Wednesday, is poised to “meet global energy needs,” according to British energy giant BP.
The year 2025 begins on a positive note for the two countries as Phase One of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project—one of Africa’s deepest and most complex gas development initiatives—was officially launched on January 1. The phase is expected to produce approximately 2.3 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually, BP announced in a statement. The company expressed pride in having safely delivered the first gas flows to the floating production vessel for the next commissioning stages.
“This is a remarkable milestone for this significant megaproject. The first gas flow is a tangible response to the current global energy demand and reaffirms our commitment to supporting Mauritania and Senegal in developing their natural resources,” said Gordon Birrell, BP’s Executive Vice President for Production and Operations. He noted that the GTA gas reserves are located at water depths of up to 2,850 meters.
“The importance of Africa in the global energy system is growing, and these nations now have more significant roles to play,” Birrell added, while commending the teams involved in executing the landmark project.
The GTA project’s construction activities have generated over 3,000 local jobs and engaged around 300 local companies across Mauritania and Senegal. BP and its partners have also invested in workforce development, fostering local expertise.
Additionally, a multimillion-dollar social investment program has been launched in both countries, aimed at improving local living standards and creating long-term growth opportunities. The program focuses on community health, economic development, environmental awareness, and education.
BP highlighted its tailored apprentice training program designed to nurture local talent. The program currently supports 47 apprentice technicians, preparing them to become the next generation of offshore operators.
ODL/sf/te/lb/as/APA